Reality check
July 2nd, 2007 by jennemede
It’s been a hard decision to make but I’ve decided to start ‘monetising’ my blog, place some Google ads here and there and very possibly write some ’sponsored’ posts.
Gosh, writing these things almost brings tears to my eyes.
I guess - no, I know - it’s a pride thing, my not having done any of that yet and I’ve been blogging what, almost four years. I keep telling myself it will ruin my blog, tarnish my integrity as a writer. It’s very old school thinking, this advertising/editorial integrity thing.
But you know what? It costs me money to run this blog, money I don’t have (since I ain’t out there workin’ anymore). So screw it.
I do promise to write really ‘interesting’ sponsored posts though.
Really.
I need a hug.
Posted in Imperfect Blogging
July 3rd, 2007 at 3:26 am
Aww Jenn, here’s a warm hug from me. I didn’t know running this blog costs you $$. Anyhow, keep on writing and keep up the good work, dear. Hugs & kisses fm SK too.
July 3rd, 2007 at 4:06 am
me hugs hugs jenn too
July 3rd, 2007 at 5:59 am
Hugs….I know, babe. I know….Hugs again.
July 3rd, 2007 at 7:21 am
*hug*
Dei. So long as there’s disclosure, why worryleh? Your readers will still love you because hey, we all needs to make a living.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:29 am
Thanks guys. I just don’t know, u know? I myself don’t read sponsored posts so I don’t really see the point in writing them - the point NOT being just money, but that people read the posts, click on the links and then see that it’s really to get them to buy something.
I think I want to pick and choose really only services or products I think are worth spreading word about. I’ve turned down plenty of “can we use your content” offers simply because of this ‘coz I don’t want to inadvertently send someone to a site that will spam or worse, con them, u know?
Anyway, thanks guys. Things will not be the same, but I will adapt.
ps. I want to clarify that this isn’t to say bloggers who blog for money are not sincere. This is NOT what I mean. You need to understand I’ve been a writer all my professional life (Erna, i’m sure you understand this), and I’ve battled for separation of editorial and advertising over a decade, knowing the sad fact that back home, it is near impossible to do that. It’s like asking someone to eat meat after having been a vegetarian all her life because she will get ill if she doesn’t. It’s not a good choice to hv to make but there it is. We just hv to roll with it.
July 3rd, 2007 at 1:23 pm
*Hugs*
I’m not a writer but I was also hesitant when I decided to monetize my food blog ‘cos my food blog was my pride. But u know what, I decided that I was not going to turn down “free $”. Like u say, pick & choose those that u think are worthy.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:48 pm
velcome..to the dark side.
It’s not so bad after awhile. Plus, you will feel good earning some pocket money, esp. if you want to buy some extra toys for u n ur girls.
Don’t worry too much about letting your readers down. They’ll be able to distinguish between your sponsored posts and your real posts.
Plus, when u do write a sponsored post, think of yourself as the third party and you’ll find yourself not getting personal about it. Unless you really like their products.. like how I am sometimes..ha ha
VELCOME!!!!!!!!!!! MUA HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
July 4th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
I wish you all the best in doing paid posts. It can be highly infectious and once you’ve started, you become addicted to it and you just can’t stop it, how to say no to $$$, yes? Welcome to the paid posts-sphere! *big hugs*
July 5th, 2007 at 6:25 am
Sponsored post or not, good writing is good writing la….so people will read. Challenge yourself.
July 5th, 2007 at 6:39 am
Thanks guys.
Shireen - I will look fwd to that
Patsy - I don’t think so lor. How many of us read advertisements, advertorials and today, sponsored posts? What’s the point of writing something nobody reads (even though u get paid for it, even if u spent all your effort writing it very well)?
Worst is when you’re forced to write something u dont believe in, something that’s heavily edited by marketing because the product is just not good enough. Happened a mil times to me. Feels like crap because not only are your words being rewritten not because you wrote badly, but because the product does not sound good enough, but also because you really shouldn’t be convincing people to buy it because it’s sucky! Figures why I never became a copywriter.
It’s like professionals who advertise, lawyers and docs in the US. It’s old-fashioned thinking really, because why shouldnt they advertise, theyre like any other business?
And yet, even if ure a good lawyer or doctor, u can end up in the same group as ambulance chasers and weight loss surgeons. But mags need ads and advertorials to survive. And my blog, sadly, needs to at the very least support itself. I hv to pay for my fancy domain and hosting every year. If I make enough to strike it off, I’ll be happy. Right now, I have 7 cents in my Adsense. Good luck to me LOL
July 6th, 2007 at 4:47 am
*Hugz* Shireen is right…it’s highly infectious. I’m doing it and I can’t stop myself. I have withdrawal symptoms whenever I don’t get any opps;D BTW, I haven’t been leaving my blog url whenever I leave my comments here
You have visited my blog once but probably didn’t know it was moi ;D
July 8th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Being a stay-at-home mom for the last 2.5 yrs not making a red cent except that one time where I played jury in a fake trial, and THEN not having any income for this entire year.. I don’t feel shame in having ads in my blog. Of course I’m not as good of a writer as you
and haven’t put in the time to blog..
All this to say, go for it! Adapt and adjust umm your wallet
July 9th, 2007 at 6:33 am
Sponsored posts, advertorials etc? I read!!! As long as they’re interesting. And besides, it could be something beneficial to me. I also read to increase knowledge, awareness etc.
If your heart wasn’t in something, it would show. So if you’re writing ’bout something you don’t believe in, it’d show too.
Like a lawyer who’s defending a criminal whom he KNOWS is guilty. If he had a conscience, somehow or other, his defense would not have his heart and soul in it. So he’ll just do his ‘job’. But when he defends someone whom he believes is innocent, then he will go all out. Am I making the sense?
The Universe will sort all things out, hehe….don’t worry, just do it.